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Physiology of the Adrenal Gland Video
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Video at a Glance
- The adrenal gland sits on top of the kidney, and several classes of hormones arise in different areas of the adrenal gland.
- The zona glomerulosa produces mineral corticoids, most commonly aldosterone.
- The zona fasciculata produces glucocorticoids, most commonly cortisol.
- The zona reticularis produces androgens, primarily testosterone.
- The adrenal medulla is made up of neuroendocrine cells and produces peptides, such as norepinephrine and epinephrine.
- The glucocorticoids, mainly cortisol, are controlled by the hypothalamus and pituitary gland.
- Glucocorticoids increase insulin production in the endocrine system and glucose in the bloodstream, increasing blood pressure through vasoconstriction.
- The other major hormone group in the adrenal cortex is aldosterone. When it’s released into the bloodstream, it causes increased absorption and decreased excretion of sodium, increasing the blood volume.
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